The remarks came as the war with Iran, which U.S. officials say began on February 28, entered a new and dangerous phase. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. objectives have not changed and include dismantling Iran’s missile launch capabilities, degrading its defense industry and navy, and preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons. Reuters also reported the United States had already struck more than 7,000 targets by March 19, while subsequent coverage described the conflict continuing to intensify across the region. Trump’s comments therefore read less as a diplomatic opening than as a declaration that pressure is working on Washington’s terms.